Non-pharmacological interventions show effectiveness in preventing ICU delirium

Research conducted at Hochschule Campus Wien examines the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium in postoperative and intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Delirium is identified as a frequent neurocognitive complication in intensive care settings, associated with increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and long-term functional impairments.

Systematic literature reviews of studies published between 2021 and 2026 indicate that multi-component, non-pharmacological interventions are effective. Specific successful strategies include sleep improvement measures, family-centered auditory interventions, and reorientation techniques. These evidence-based nursing interventions aim to reduce both the incidence and duration of delirium in adult patients.